The Study and Classification of Musical Instruments
- a. Organology: the study of musical instruments
- b. Sachs-Hornbostel system: four-part classification system based on the means by which instruments produce sound (fifth category added later)
- i. Idiophones: self-sounding instruments; the material of which they are made is set into vibration
- ii. Chordophones: sound source is one or more vibrating strings
- (1) Lutes: neck and body parallel to the strings.
- (2) Harp: soundboard to which strings are attached at an angle
- (3) Lyre: two distinctive arms and crossbar running between them to which the strings are attached
- (4) Zither: instrument with a flat body to which strings are attached parallel to the body
- iii. Aerophones: Instruments in which an enclosed column of air vibrates to produce sound; have an opening or mouthpiece through which the player blows air
- (1) Endblown: blown through a hole (mouthpiece) at the end
- (2) Transverse: blown through a hole on the side
- (3) Free reeds have enclosed reeds through which air is pushed.
- (4) Free aerophones act directly on surrounding air without enclosing it.
- iv. Membranophones: Characterized by a membrane (drumhead) stretched across one or both ends of the instrument. Classified by:
- (1) Shape: cylindrical, bowl (kettle), hourglass, or goblet
- (2) How membranes are attached (glued, tacked, laced, etc.)
- (3) Ways in which sound is produced (hands or sticks)
- v. Electrophones: Instruments whose sound is produced or modified electronically
